Senior School
At the close of this term, we will be halfway through the 2022 school year. As our students have found out, time moves fast in the first semester of the Senior School. For many, examinations are a new experience and have arrived to challenge both their preparation and understanding of course content. They are an integral part of life in the Senior School but not necessarily one everyone looks forward to. However, examinations must be viewed in context and, more importantly, as a learning experience for each individual student, to know more about themselves and what skills need further work. Whilst the end result is a number, it must be remembered that it does not define the individual but merely provides a snapshot of what they could accomplish in one day.
Unfortunately, however, for Year 12, examinations contribute significantly to their end result, the ATAR. It is essential that they learn from mistakes made in the Unit 3 examinations. Students have had some previous practice in the past two years and should now look to working closely with their teachers to refine their approach and consolidate their knowledge and understanding in the next semester, in preparation for the VCAA examinations in November. Our students in Years 10 and 11 still have time to become comfortable with the process and the experience of sitting a formal examination.
I encourage Year 12 students to use the upcoming term break wisely. Continue to complete some study each day, ensure their course summaries are accurate and up to date, and prepare bound references for their mathematic subjects but also find time to recharge, as Term 3 is the hardest term of their year. I am also looking forward to speaking to each student over the next couple of days in formal interviews, to talk about their progress. Please do not hesitate to contact any teacher if you have questions about your child.
Sharron Frame
Head of Middle and Senior School
Year 12
It is fantastic to finally see our Senior School students sitting down for mid-year exams once again. This crucial part of their learning and development has been absent for the last two years, and I know the Year 12s have been busy preparing and stressing for these assessments. We’ve spoken at length about the importance of preparation and consistency when it comes to exams, however, there is no better way to test the students’ progress than actually sitting for exams. This is a great opportunity to pressure test the hard work done so far, and although many students find the process daunting, the more experience they have, the easier it will be in November. Throughout the pastoral program, we will continue to discuss effective study strategies and spend time on preparation and study skills. It will be interesting to see if some of the “Achieve Your Best” study skills that were presented earlier this term have helped our students successfully navigate their examinations.
Andrew Phillips
Year 12 Coordinator
Years 10 and 11
As we draw to the conclusion of Semester 1, I look back at the teachings and learnings for our Years 10 and 11 cohorts. It has been a challenging semester, especially for the Year 10 cohort having not been on site for a full semester since 2019, and our Year 11 cohort having to prepare for their first-ever VCE examinations. While it has been challenging for our students, it has been rewarding to watch many grow and rise to the challenge.
With that in mind, our pastoral sessions this term have focused on how to prepare for examinations and effectively study for assessments. It is paramount that students prepare early for assessments, and chip away at tasks bit by bit so they may reach the due date with a product they can be happy with. It has been noticed that many students are procrastinating, leaving their assessment tasks until the last minute before submitting. Sure, this may get the student a pass, but by no means is it show-casing their true potential.
Earlier this term, Senior School students visited the VCE Careers Expo, and Year 10s undertook the Morrisby Report, which are great tools to provide our students with ideas of what future opportunities are available and help identify areas of strength. Year 10 students are encouraged to make an appointment with Mrs Michelle Mascaro when the results of the Morrisby Report come out, so that they may plan the best pathway for moving forward. Years 10 and 11 students will be selecting their subjects for 2023 early in Term 3, so conversations should be taking place at home so informed decisions can be made.
To all students and families, enjoy the upcoming break. Stay safe, stay warm and look after one another.
Manoj Patel
Years 10 and 11 Coordinator